Low Red Moon - Ivy Devlin

TITLE: Low Red Moon

AUTHOR: Ivy Devlin

SUMMARY: The only thing Avery Hood can remember about the night her parents died is that she saw silver—deadly silver, moving inhumanly fast. As much as she wants to remember who killed them, she can't, and there's nothing left to do but try to piece her life back together. Then Avery meets the new boy in school—Ben, mysterious and beautiful, with whom she feels a connection like nothing she's ever experienced. When Ben reveals he's a werewolf, Avery still trusts him—at first. Then she sees that sometimes his eyes flash inhuman silver. And she learns that she's not the only one who can't remember the night her parents died.Part murder mystery, part grief narrative, and part heart-stopping, headlong romance, Low Red Moon is a must-read for teen paranormal fans. As breathless as Twilight and as spooky as Shiver, this is a book to be devoured in one sitting—by an acclaimed YA author making her paranormal debut under the pseudonym Ivy Devlin. - From Publisher

REVIEW: An amazing book! The first few pages made me so uncomfortable and heart broken that I was worried if I would be able to muster through the book. (Note: I may later blame this sadness on pregnancy hormones) And despite that uncomfortableness I loved that Devlin got me to that place because I felt Avery's pain so strongly. I felt like I was a part of her world and was dealing with the lose of parents as she was. This really helped you get pulled into Avery's world that was morphing and twisting into something unnatural and, in my opinion, because Devlin got you to that uncomfortable place I was more easily swayed into believing the paranormal events that begin to take place.

Avery is a self assured girl and I love that while she loved how her parents raised her she wasn't overly awkward and wanted to still be balanced. She seemed to have a clear view of life. Plus, it was refreshing that she didn't resent her Grama, Renee, and that as the story developed you saw that Avery realized how much her Grama did love her father and how alike they were. It was enjoyable that their relationship with neither perfect or horrible, just a tad awkward and it read realistically.

Oh and the romance between Ben and Avery was fire cracker hot and intense. I absolutely loved how this was written and all the history that was woven between the canvas of characters. Some thing I guessed and others were a pleasant surprise. But Ben was such a unique character (like all of them) and he often did the opposite of what I thought he would do, so it sorta kept me guessing.

I absolutely adored this book and you should all go pick this up to read. A wonderful blend of suspense, character growth, romance and supernatural. Also, I really hope Devlin continues with this 'verse and that we get a second book.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Desires of The Dead - Kimberly Derting

TITLE: Desires of The Dead

AUTHOR: Kimberly Derting

SUMMARY: The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found.

Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.

As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger. - From Publisher

REVIEW: This series has got to be one of the best out there. The style and plot is right up my alley. I love that while it is teen/ya I feel that the characters don't fall into the pitfalls of annoying teen.

The plot for this sequel moves at the perfect pace. I enjoyed how we got to see the repercussions from the first book and how it has affected Violet. Nothing was swept under the rug and I enjoyed reading, and being shown how Violet dealt with the previous event and how these new events affected her and her decisions. Often her choices felt authentic, sometimes a bit stupid (had a few moments where I wanted to yell at her to run the other way), but if she always made the right choice it wouldn't read realistically.

Violet and Jay have to be the cutest book pairing. (Sidenote: am I the only one who pictures Jared P. off Supernatural as Jay??) I liked the course that Derting is taking these two on, I sense some huge moments in the coming books for these two. They are strong, but life isn't always easy on young love. Their relationship in both books seem to add and enhance the story, and again they are just so darn cute!!

The plot was good, however I found the mystery element of it a bit weak and lacking the previous books punch. Bringing in the FBI filled the void that the murder left, at least for me, and again I am loving where Derting is going with this series.

It has such potential for growth and story line progression along with spinoffs into other characters backgrounds. If you haven't picked up this series you need to!

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

My Soul to Take - Rachel Vincent

TITLE: My Soul to Take

AUTHOR: Rachel Vincent

SUMMARY: She doesn''t see dead people, but…

She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who''ll be next… - From Publisher

REVIEW: Vincent is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors. I loved this series opening, the whole concept feels unique and different even though it really isn't. Gotta love authors that can take a concept and make it fresh and new.

This book starts off with best friends Emma & Kaylee sneaking into a club. I like that while Kaylee isn't an 'it' girl she also isn't a social leper either. I enjoy that she sneaks into clubs and does thing that your average teen does. I found her character to be one that I easily related to and that made this book highly addictive. Yet despite the normalcy I loved that she had a tortured and battered past. That her life wasn't fully average. I do think that considering her stint in a ward that there would be more damage. I found her softness towards her Aunt & Uncle at certain moments in the book to be off, or perhaps I'm just cold-hearted but I wanted to see more of her rage, hopefully in the second book we get more of it. Anger at her father for allowing it and now swooping in. (Yes I realize there is a prequel to this series but I'd still like some backlash.)

Hottie, Nash Hudson is just that a hottie. I naturally liked him and he did some unexpected things that I enjoyed. My biggest issue with him is that for someone with such a play-boy reputation he didn't really act like it. Again, Vincent could be doing her trade-mark zig when I think she'll zag but I do hope we get more back-history on him. Was he that much of a play-boy and if so are his intentions with Kaylee fully honest or is he hoping for something in return??

I love that Vincent does that. That her writing style isn't predictable and that really, she could totally change things. I love that I have another few books to eat through before I'm caught up, because her writing is such an addiction for me! I cannot wait!

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The Reformed Vampire Support Group - Catherine Jinks

TITLE: The Reformed Vampire Support Group

AUTHOR: Catherine Jinks

SUMMARY: An un-romanticized, irreverent, hilarious look at the blood-sucking life, through the eyes of Nina Harrison, fanged at 15 and still living with her mother. She''s stuck in a support group for reformed vamps that has never had anything exciting happen to them...until one of them is murdered. With the help of a priest and Nina''s mom soon the whole cast of weak misfit vampires bands together to surprise themselves: saving a werewolf, solving a mystery and keeping the world safe from blood-thirsty unreformed vamps. Through it all, Nina learns to stop fighting fate, accepts that she''s a vampire, and realizes she actually kind of does like that cute Dave guy even if he''s a vampire. - From Publisher

REVIEW: A very humorous and completely different look at vampires, which was refreshing and I sorta like how the book poked a bit of fun at the way vampires are portrayed. It was different reading a book where vampires aren't rolling in money and laughing at us walking happy meals and our fragile immortality. The concept of them being frailer than us and struggling to simply survive in the most basic sense took a bit of time getting use to. All the vampires I read about are like Nina's Zadia Bloodstone. Regardless of their struggles with health and finding a way to exist without drawing attention to themselves of blodding an human, I found this story to be enjoyable.

It took some time to get into, but that was more real life barging in and interrupting me every time I got into the book. Had there been no distractions I would've read through this faster. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey Nina went on. From hating her existence and other vampires to finally embracing her vampirism and realizing that she put limitations on herself, not her 'disease'. I liked that little moral issue that was slipped into the actual book.

For fans of the vamps and those looking for a humorous read and willing to laugh and mock at yourself you'll enjoy this.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Two-Way Street - Lauren Barnholdt

TITLE: Two-Way Street

AUTHOR: Lauren Barnholdt

SUMMARY: This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They''re even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation.

Then Jordan dumps Courtney -- for a girl he met on the Internet.

It''s too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney''s heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care.

But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.

Turns out, he''s got a secret or two that he''s not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can''t get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other. - From Publisher

REVIEW: A perfect ya chic-lit for those days where you want to read something that's easy to sink into and just puts a smile on your face.

From the moment I started reading this I figured I was going to love. I love Barnholdt's style of writing and how easily she makes the story flow. Yes, at times the dialogue and inner dialogue is a bit stiff and I was so happy when Barnholdt quit making Courtney's inner thoughts have point form but those are easy things to look past. The romance between Jordan & Courtney was a delight to read and I think the jumping from previous events to current was well balanced and really assisted the story. I got my information and it never seemed chopping when she bounced.

However, never have I read a teen/ya book before and felt so stinking old! I do not remember guys being like this and nor do I remember girls acting like some did in this story. It's not like it's been decade upon decade that I was last in HS but man, times must have changed. Oddly at the same time I felt nostalgic. My husband and I were HS sweethearts and I remember when he broke up with me how horrible it was. Barnholdt did a fabulous job in giving each person their side through inner thoughts but never letting it pass to the other verbally. It made the story so much better and allowed me to be more invested in them as a couple.

I'm definitely going to have to look into more books by this author as this was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Unwind - Neal Shusterman

TITLE: Unwind

AUTHOR: Neal Shusterman

SUMMARY: In a society where unwanted teens are salvaged for their body parts, three runaways fight the system that would "unwind" them

Connor''s parents want to be rid of him because he''s a troublemaker. Risa has no parents and is being unwound to cut orphanage costs. Lev''s unwinding has been planned since his birth, as part of his family''s strict religion. Brought together by chance, and kept together by desperation, these three unlikely companions make a harrowing cross-country journey, knowing their lives hang in the balance. If they can survive until their eighteenth birthday, they can''t be harmed -- but when every piece of them, from their hands to their hearts, are wanted by a world gone mad, eighteen seems far, far away.

In Unwind, Boston Globe/Horn Book Award winner Neal Shusterman challenges readers'' ideas about life -- not just where life begins, and where it ends, but what it truly means to be alive. - From Publisher

REVIEW: Shusterman creates a world that I would never want to see come to fruition. The whole story is a cautionary tale and one I definitely think should be read.

I picked this book up due to a fellow reader writing that if you liked Suzanne Collins Hungry series that you'd enjoy this book. While I suppose they are the same I think Collins series is more fast paced and action, which isn't surprising considering what goes on in those books. Shusterman's Unwind in comparison was... far more depressing? *ponders* Yeah, I think I'd go with depressing & heavy.

Parents choose to have their children unwound, which basically means they are taken apart piece by piece, organ by organ while alive (I view this like having a c-section you can feel them doing stuff and it's not super comfy fun but not really painful either, with that said knowing you are being dismantled would be painful). Once they are dismantled they are passed to those that are in need and deemed worthy of survival. As a parent I cannot even comprehend opting to chop up my child so some kid that can play the piano beautiful would live longer. This is taking organ donors & that CSI episode where that crazy killed people for their organs to the extreme.

That aspect along with 'storking' newborns (the law now states that after you have a child you can leave it at someone's door and it's their job to raise it, by law) just broke my heart and made this potential future so depressing and haunting. There's a scene where they really dive into storking and it just shattered me, actually there were a few aspect of this book that just shattered me.

The book is heavy, but creates some good conversation and if I were an English teacher I'd be all over this for a novel study. After reading I couldn't help but take a look at my life and wonder if I'd be unwound...

I think my biggest issue with this book was that there were a bit too many character storylines going on and while they did all connect and made for a beautiful tale I felt like I could never invest fully in them. Too much switching to fully sink into their stories.

All in all a good book, probably not a book you bring on vacation for a light read but one I highly recommend reading.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Raised by Wolves - Jennifer Lyne Barnes

TITLE: Raised by Wolves

AUTHOR:Jennifer Lynn Barnes

SUMMARY: Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn''t mean that she''s averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian''s basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents'' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she''s shaped? - From Publisher

REVIEW: A definite must read for Were fans.

I stumbled across this book over at Katie's Book Blog and decided that due to my love for the werewolf genre I should request it from my library. I'm so glad I did!

The story kicks right off with establishing that Bryn is a bit of a trouble maker and definitely not one to submit to her Alpha, in fact she seems to enjoy pushing him as much as she can, especially since she's not actually a were. I think that element is what I found so intriguing about this book is how Barnes meshed her humanity with what she knew from being raised in a pack. The blend wasn't anything like I've ever read and really made for some crazy twists. However, at times Bryn's annoyance at the Pack grated me on, especially when she flipped from one side to the other. After reading the book I understood where Barnes was going but for a bit there it seemed OOC for what we knew about Bryn.

I would love a best friend like Devon. He's theatrical, good in a bind and very protective of Bryn. At the beginning I though for sure he would be the potential love interest OR that he'd be the "Jacob" of this ya/teen story. Thankfully that never happened and I applaud Barnes for not having to make me choose. I would love to read a short story about him & if Barnes does continue this then I'd be up for some Lake/Devon shippy-ness.

My biggest complaint with this story would be near the end. Without giving too much away I felt that Barnes was on the ledge of poorly written super-hero stuff. You know, like if you read BAD fanfiction and the character is so extremely awesome you automatically cringe. Thankfully it was just for a moment and one could over-look it, but it did sorta irk me a bit.

All around I really enjoyed this book. There's a few dull spots but after finishing it I'm really glad I listen to Katie and picked this one up.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Spirit Bound - Richelle Mead

TITLE: Spirit Bound

AUTHOR: Richelle Mead

SUMMARY: Dimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. But she chose wrong.

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri's birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir's and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can't wait for their real lives beyond the Academy's iron gates to begin. But Rose's heart still aches for Dimitri, and she knows he's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true, Dimitri has tasted her blood, and now he is hunting her. Only this time, he won't rest until Rose joins him; forever. - From Publisher

REVIEW: Clearly the most epic and riveting book in this series thus far. It grabbed me from the start and refused to let go even after I finished. In fact I'm tempted to try and break into Mead's computer just so I can know what's going to happen. In fact, December 7th cannot come fast enough for this avid fan.

Doing this review without spoiling the crap out of you all is going to be impossible. So, perhaps if you haven't read this book yet, don't read further. If you've never checked out this series I must ask why the frak not? Go pick it up, don't read this, just go to the nearest bookstore/library and start reading, you won't regret.

Rose just can't seem to help herself when it comes to Dimitri and trouble. Admittedly I'm cheering for Adrian, which I know is now turning into an epic argument just like who Buffy should end up with is, but I seem to like cheering for the one that is least likely to occur (oddly I was all about Angel & Buffy). I love how Adrian never hides how he feels, he's willing to make concessions and compromising to make the relationship healthy, he's head over heels for Rose and I find him just book hot. Of course, I'm not blind to that fact that by the time this series wraps up I'm sure Rose will be with Dimitri. *sigh* Not that I don't love Dimitri, because I do I just can't help it. I'm a Jacob lover as well, so you can see my problem.

So much happened in this book Rose's journey in trying to discover if it's possible to turn Strigoi back was intense and I loved that it wasn't the only huge issue going on in her world. Mead has done a beautiful job of balancing all the various HUGE exciting plots all at once. There's lots going on and I never got confused or felt like she was trying to fit too much in. And while some issues were wrapped up others weren't. This book is complex in the best ways. Nothing fits in its peg properly and just when you think you've got a character figured out Mead pulls the rug out from under you.

The next book is going to be so intense. With the fallout from Rose losing Vicktor; I'm sure that guy isn't just going to disappear into nothing, he's a major player and I can't wait to see what all happens with his plot line. You've got accusations for murder, which really? *dies* Is clearly going to be epically awesome especially with Mr. Mobster himself in the folds. Then you've got Adrian & Dimitri and you all know how I feel about that little triangle.

I cannot say enough about my love for this book. While I was reading it there were moments where I had to get up and step back because I didn't want it to end and I was just eagerly searching for someone to squee about it with. I may have to get my sister-in-law hooked in this series.

Pick up this book, read & the comment and we can gush about it together. EPIC people EPIC!

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Voices of Dragons - Carrie Vaughn

TITLE: Voices of Dragons

AUTHOR: Carrie Vaughn

SUMMARY: On one side of the border lies the modern world: the internet, homecoming dances, cell phones. On the other side dwell the ancient monsters who spark humanity's deepest fears: dragons.

Seventeen-year-old Kay Wyatt knows she's breaking the law by rock climbing near the border, but she'd rather have an adventure than follow the rules. When the dragon Artegal unexpectedly saves her life, the rules are abruptly shattered, and a secret friendship grows between them.

But suspicion and terror are the legacy of human and dragon inter­actions, and the fragile truce that has maintained peace between the species is unraveling. As tensions mount and battles begin, Kay and Artegal are caught in the middle. Can their friendship change the course of a war?

In her young-adult debut, New York Times bestselling author Carrie Vaughn presents a distinctly twenty-first-century tale of myths and machines, and an alliance that crosses a seemingly unbridgeable divide. - From Publisher

REVIEW: Alright, it's no secret that I love Vaughn's Kitty Norville series. I think for an adult series she's done such a good job of written character driven stories and while in her adult series there is romance it's never the sole focus of the books. So I knew going into Vaughn's first dive at a YA book that I was going to love it. And, I did!

The story starts off with giving us some general information for the book but pretty soon we are pushed into action and really, it doesn't slow down. The pace was even, spiking at certain key points and going back to a steady enjoyable stride. I loved that at no point while reading this did I get bored or bogged down. Vaughn managed to give us history and knowledge while never it turning into a history lesson and I loved that she pulled some unexpected twists.

When a story is character-driven I feel like it can't go wrong. And Vaughn has grown so much as an author that focus' on characters. Kay was the sort of girl that I'd like my daughter to read about. She was strong willed in a non-bratty way and yes, because I'm traditional I loved that she wasn't following her BFFL's lead when it comes to sex. I know it's a big topic with authors, readers & parents but I felt like Vaughn wrote it so well and really, with everything that she had going and what we knew about Kay any crazy focus on romance would have seemed out from left field.

The book had some beautiful scenes and I found the story to be extremely compelling. A delight to read and I really hope Vaughn decides to continue with this 'verse and makes a series out of it.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The Reckoning - Kelley Armstrong

TITLE: The Reckoning

AUTHOR: Kelley Armstrong

SUMMARY: Only two weeks ago, life was all too predictable. But that was before I saw my first ghost. Now along with my supernatural friends Tori, Derek, and Simon, I''m on the run from the Edison Group, which genetically altered us as part of their sinister experiment. We''re hiding in a safe house that might not be as safe as it seems. We''ll be gone soon anyway, back to rescue those we''d left behind and take out the Edison Group . . . or so we hope. - From Publisher

REVIEW: A perfect ending to a thoroughly enjoyable trilogy that had me hooked with each book.

Armstrong has such a strong style to her writing that seems to always keep me engaged her works. I never feel like skimming over a page out of boredom and when she's giving what would normally be yawn worthy information, that you sorta need to know, she keeps it spicy so you don't lose interest and it doesn't ruin the flow of the book. Never do I hit a spot where I feel like she lost her way. Everything she puts in this book is required and while she does play with the card of 'who dun it' she never gives too much information where it spoils the mystery. She builds it all up and you wonder if there are spies and she keeps you guessing, which I love. I think it's because she doesn't put it at the front that it's always in your mind but not. She's a crafty one.

Her characters are so driven and so strong. I have fallen in love with them all and I've got to say, I was sad to see this story end. I'm happy with the various outcomes and how much they've grown through this journey. Chloe has finally gotten that backbone and when Derek is pushing her I love that she'll push back and won't let him get away with some of the crap he tries to pull.

For those that haven't bothered to pick up this trilogy what is wrong? If it's the whole teen/ya angle don't worry. These books are not written simplistically and... basically you must read these! Now. Go!

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The Body Finder - Kimberly Derting

TITLE: The Body Finder

AUTHOR: Kimberly Derting

SUMMARY: Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies-or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat left for her. But now that a serial killer is terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, Violet realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet find the murderer-and Violet is unnerved by her hope that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself. - From Publisher

REVIEW: A kudos to Derting for writing a strong female lead.

Violet has captured my heart and she's the sorta female lead that I love. The struggle she has with these new-found feelings for her best friend Jay was beautifully written and so realistic. The push and pull and fear of 'outing' herself and ruining their lifetime friendship was a thrill to read. There were so many aspects that made me love their story. How long they'd been friends and the comfort they had with one another along with Jay knowing her secret ability and him never viewing it as creepy or doubting it. Finally, we had a female that wasn't going to be walked on. There are scenes where Jay and her are arguing and I love that Violet didn't back down. She wasn't annoying stubborn or written in a way that rubbed you the wrong way, she just wasn't a pushover or a lovesick puppy. What clinched my love for this character was that when Jay was being obtuse or they was friction between the two she didn't allow him to walk over her or push her into anything. Often, I feel like the female lead allows for poor behavior because she loves him. It was refreshing to see how healthy and strong a female she was. To appreciate what he did but still not excuse bad behavior.

The plot itself was amazing! It had a far more adult feel to it and that often came from chapters being written from the villains point of view. It gave it a grittier, darker edge to the book, which I loved. Plus, Violet and her family had already come to terms with her special skill. It wasn't a taboo topic or something they shunned. In fact her parents worked around to try and discourage her searching out some of the 'echos' but at the same time finding answers (the little cemetery) to give her peace. The parent child dynamic was very refreshing. They were as normal as you could be considering that their child could hear the echos of those (human and animals) that were murdered. The way the book started off with Violet (at a young age) going for a walk with her father and her discovery was chilling and the perfect answer to set the stage of her skills. I love when an author shows us rather then tells us.

All the characters were well rounded. I enjoyed that Violet wasn't an outcast with one or two friends, but rather she was like most kids in school. She had her own group of friends, she wasn't in the 'it' group but she wasn't the kid that got picked on. It gave the book a far more realistic feel to it and it allowed for you to connect with the characters.

Derting's debut novel knocked it out of the park! I'll be eagerly awaiting her second book Desires of the Dead and highly recommend that you all pick up The Body Finder.


RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Fallen - Lauren Kate

TITLE: Fallen

AUTHOR: Lauren Kate

SUMMARY: There''s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price''s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He''s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce--and goes out of his way to make that very clear--she can''t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, Fallen is a page turning thriller and the ultimate love story. - From Publisher

REVIEW: I was sadly disappointed with this book.

I found it to be far too much like other books I've read. The whole school being more than it appears has been done and in my opinion done much better. I found the way the school was set up and controlled far too dramatic and sorta felt like a ploy to make the kids isolated. I think Kate could've found a way to bring this group of troubled kids together without the school or maybe doing the school in a way that hasn't been done.

The characters themselves bored me and were really predictable and cookie cutter. Each character filled the 'formula' and nothing about them was really unique. And then we hit the major pot hole that always rattles me.

Yes, I do realize that I am not a teen and so my view on relationships is naturally different. With that said while I understand that teen books will have a relationship occur far quicker and not with the same layers and detailing that an adult book will I don't think that means that the female should be weak minded. Can someone please explain to me why so often in teen/ya books the female lead is written as a smitten kitten who will forgive any slight and the male lead always has some excuse as to why he flops on and off on the girl. Why in the world are we teaching young females that it's okay if the guy goes hot and cold and to just keep going back for more? I know this is just fictional but I feel like it's setting up unrealistic expectations for girls or that they should stick with a guy that does that whole yo-yo thing and that he'll have this 'reason' for his behavior.

Okay, I'll put that rant on the shelf... for now.

The story/plot was interesting but I felt like it took ions before we got to the meat of it all. I wish we'd gotten more of Luce's back-story and the events of the 'incident' that brought Luce to the school. I'm all for being shown the events rather than told for important plot points. I think in this case it would've added to her character.

This first book is definitely a set up for the next book and sadly nothing about this book really makes me want to pick up the second book. All around I think the younger age group will enjoy but for those adults that enjoy reading teen/ya books I'd venture to guess you won't.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick

TITLE: Hush, Hush

AUTHOR: Becca Fitzpatrick

SUMMARY: For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She''s never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora''s not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can''t decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life. - From Publisher

REVIEW: A brilliant start to this new series!

The character of Nora Grey sorta fell into the cookie cutter shape that seems to be drifting about in teen/ya genre. And I've got to admit I didn't really like that. I don't like reading about the same character in book after book and that makes me wish that perhaps things were changed up. That Nora was a bit different and wasn't the typical teen that was clumped in the reject group of HS. I do have to say that I liked that Nora's Mom wasn't what I expected. I expected her to be distant and not really take an interest in Nora's life but I enjoyed reading that her Mom was there, just simply trying to make ends meat for the family. Was a refreshing change, but didn't make up for Nora being the expected.

Patch, thankfully was not what I expected. He was probably the most refreshing of them all. I sorta popped him into dark/brooding sort and while he did have some of those qualities as the book progressed things were just exposed and I ended up loving him. I don't want to give too much away because no one likes spoilers in reviews but I am most looking forward to this series due to his character. Fitzpatrick wrote him full of angles and edges and while reading this I was never quite sure who he exactly was and what his motives truly were. She kept me on my toes and I love when the unexpected happens with a character that you feel will be expected. Make sense?

The story itself I found to be an enjoyable read. The plot was laid out nicely with a good pace. Things were in constant motion but I never felt like she tried to put too much into this book. She set the stage beautifully and left enough loose ends that her second book Crescendo is going to be eagerly anticipated by this reader.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Generation Dead: Kiss of Life - Daniel Waters

TITLE: Generation Dead: Kiss of Life

AUTHOR: Daniel Waters

SUMMARY: The phenomenon that's been sweeping the country seems to be here to stay. Not only are the teenagers who have come back from their graves still here, but newlydeads are being unearthed all the time. While scientists look for answers and politicians take their stands, the undead population of Oakville have banded together in a group they're calling the Sons of Romero, hoping to find solidarity in segregation.

Phoebe Kendall may be alive, but she feels just as lost and alone as her dead friends. Just when she reconciled herself to having feelings for a zombie -- her Homecoming date Tommy Williams -- her friend Adam is murdered taking a bullet that was meant for her. Things get even more confusing when Adam comes back from the grave. Now she has romantic interest in two dead boys; one who saved her life, and one she can't seem to live without. - From Publisher

REVIEW: Some will love this second installment, I am not one of them.

The first book didn't hook me as much as I wanted it to and the second one didn't make the cut either. The concept was really cool and I like the political and acceptance issues that were brought in and think Waters did a good job is reminding people that while we may not understand things it doesn't mean we should try to destroy or shun it either. I just generally found the book boring. It had moments where it grabbed me but it didn't hold my attention. I often had to force myself to sit down and pick it up.

Along with lack of attention holding I found the concept of lusting after the zombie disturbing, which is odd because I'm always fine with it in the vampire genre.

Perhaps this series is better read with the understanding that the book is more a tale about acceptance. Because from that angle it's a real cautionary tale. From the perspective I read this with just left me bored.

Not sure I'll be snagging the next book, of course I said the same thing about the second book.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Feast of Fools - Rachel Caine

TITLE: Feast of Fools

AUTHOR: Rachel Caine

SUMMARY: The wait is over. dig into the feast...

In the town of Morganville, vampires and humans live in relative peace. Student Claire Danvers has never been convinced, though especially with the arrival of Mr. Bishop, an ancient, old-school vampire who cares nothing about harmony. What he wants from the town's living and its dead is unthinkably sinister. It's only at a formal ball, attended by vampires and their human dates, that Claire realizes the elaborately evil trap he's set for Morganville. - From Publisher

REVIEW: A great re-start to a series I was starting to get bored with.

When I first started reading this series I loved! It was fun and different and I found the scenarios that this motley crew got themselves involved in was humorous and always made for a fast paced, enjoyable read. However, the last book or two left me wanting more and a bit disappointed and bored. Thankfully this book definitely picked up and did some nice changing around with the characters and story line. I feel as though this series has been re-energized.

The new characters that Caine brought onto the canvas were perfect and just what was required. The beginning villains, while still are no where near being redeemed, were starting to be predictable. This new group is harder and far more blood thirsty.

All around I've starting to once again love this series and I'm looking forward to getting all caught up!

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Betrayals - Lili St. Crow

TITLE: Betrayals

AUTHOR: Lili St. Crow

SUMMARY: he's no angel...

Poor Dru Anderson. Her parents are long gone, her best friend is a werewolf, and she's just learned that the blood flowing through her veins isn't entirely human. (So what else is new?)

Now Dru is stuck at a secret New England Schola for other teens like her, and there's a big problem—she's the only girl in the place. A school full of cute boys wouldn't be so bad, but Dru's killer instinct says that one of them wants her dead. And with all eyes on her, discovering a traitor within the Order could mean a lot more than social suicide...

Can Dru survive long enough to find out who has betrayed her trust—and maybe even her heart? - From Publisher

REVIEW: This series is rapidly becoming one of my favorites.

I am a huge fan of the way Crow is constantly building up relationships before twisting them. She's managed to do this with almost every person that interacts with Dru. Sure, she's got the tension of romance but that doesn't consume the book, just adds the delicious variables that make Dru's choices that much harder. I love when author's can keep this reader on her toes. I often felt that when I was just starting to grasp a character she'd add a nice little bomb in there. Never did those bombs seem out from left field, just explained some little moment that happened previously that I never took much stock in.

The plot in this one at times did hit a bit of a lull. However, there was more than enough action to keep me engaged and those moments of lull are often hard to avoid especially if they are used to explain things later.

Definitely cannot wait for the third book. Crow has created a wonderful world, with vivid characters and a plot that is dark and twisted and keeps you reading and guessing.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Shiver - Maggie Stiefvater

TITLE: Shiver

AUTHOR: Maggie Stiefvater

SUMMARY: For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf - her wolf - is a haunting presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human -- until the cold makes him shift back again. Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears and the temperature drops, Sam must fight to stay human or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever. - From Publisher

REVIEW: The parallels of awesomeness I'm about to draw will blow your mind. Okay, so that's total bull. Unless it does blow your mind in which case go me! I digress. While I read this book I realized a few things that unknown to me, defined this brunette from an early age and something that caused my fandom heart to burst with wonderful nostalgia while I read this.

Lets start with a defining moment. When I was little, like kindergarten age, I remember going on family vacationsw or driving out to my Uncle's cabin and listening to Meat Loaf. It was my Mom's favorite and while the cassette cover disturbed me (young children should not be exposed to rippled men on motorcycles bursting out of hell, it's begging for them to have a love for the speed racer/bad boy types) I loved the music. One of my favorites was "You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)". The song started with the following: "[Boy:] On a hot summer night, would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses? // [Girl:] Will he offer me his mouth // [Boy:] Yes. // [Girl:] Will he offer me his teeth? // [Boy:] Yes. // [Girl:] Will he offer me his jaws? // [Boy:] Yes. // [Girl:] Will he offer me his hunger? // [Boy:] Yes. // [Girl:] Again, will he offer me his hunger? // [Boy:] Yes! // [Girl:] And does he love me? // [Boy:] Yes. // [Girl:] Yes. // [Boy:] On a hot summer night, would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses? // [Girl:] Yes. // [Boy:] I bet you say that to all the boys!". I didn't get all the implications or smuttiness that the song implied I just thought it was about Red Riding Hood or something like that. This was the start of my wolf love. Now when I read a werewolf novel I know I'm loving and enjoying the book if this song jumps in my head. This song was on instant reply while I read Stiefvater's book.

Her characters were easy to fall for and from the first few paragraphs I knew this would be unlike other books I'd read from this genre and/or category. I liked how Stiefvater set this book up for the series. I felt like I got lots and really started to learn about the characters without being worried that in the next installments I'd get bored. I absolutely loved how Stiefvater didn't make Grace a whiner. She has her issues but was still written lovable and even with her at times absent parents that whole story line wasn't written like others I've read. Somehow I found it to be fresh, perhaps because it managed to stay balanced while giving it meat and adding to character development.

I also loved the style of this book, how we got chapters written in Grace's POV and others in Sam's, again, I liked the balance and insight that I got. Sometimes when it's all first person I get the longing to know what the other is thinking or feeling. I got that with this, yet I never found myself confused or that it tore my focus.

My favorite thing about this book, other than listening to Meat Loaf on replay, was the romance between Grace and Sam. Their whole journey and how he watched her for so long and she waited for him and how they longed for each other but figured it to be impossible was so Buffy & Angel. It was early seasons BtVS and how their budding romance was full of chaste kisses and simply being in each others presence. I found that far more romantic than if they just jumped into making out. The build up of it all was wonderful and filled in gaps where the plot may have slacked a bit. When there was a little plot slack I found I didn't care because I was so engaged in these two as both individuals and as a pair.

Easily, the best teen/ya romance I've read. I wish more were like this.

Definitely recommend this book to others. I think those that enjoy this genre will love this first book and Linger (book 2) is now on my must snag list. I hope with book 2 we get more from other characters, as the cast has a slew of potential.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Meridian - Amber Kizer

TITLE: Meridian

AUTHOR: Amber Kizer

SUMMARY: Half-human, half-angel, Meridian Sozu has a dark responsibility.

Sixteen-year-old Meridian has been surrounded by death ever since she can remember. As a child, insects, mice, and salamanders would burrow into her bedclothes and die. At her elementary school, she was blamed for a classmate's tragic accident. And on her sixteenth birthday, a car crashes in front of her family home-and Meridian's body explodes in pain.

Before she can fully recover, Meridian is told that she's a danger to her family and hustled off to her great-aunt's house in Revelation, Colorado. It's there that she learns that she is a Fenestra-the half-angel, half-human link between the living and the dead. But Meridian and her sworn protector and love, Tens, face great danger from the Aternocti, a band of dark forces who capture vulnerable souls on the brink of death and cause chaos. - From Publisher

REVIEW: Enjoyable. A fun, fast paced read that's a good stepping stone for this series to expand and grow.

The plot itself was steady and enjoyable. I liked that we didn't have lots of dry spells; on the flip side I felt like the plot sorta moved a bit too fast in certain areas. I wouldn't have minded some more doubt and reaction from Meridian about the legacy she's from. She seemed to roll with it a bit too easy. Even her relationship with Tens, while it progressed slow I would've been okay if it simmered a bit longer. The simmering is always my favorite part. However, I must praise Kizer for making their relationship actually age appropriate. I liked the way Kizer wrote them, despite my wish for the simmer. I can't wait to find out what all happens in the next book of this series.

I enjoyed the world that Kizer created and how with the beginning of each chapter we got a little bit of history. It really added to the 'verse that's shaped and makes the world even more tangible. I enjoy when a fiction author adds something to make it more realistic.

All around I'm eager to read the second book and anxiously anticipating what's to come!


RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The Girl in the Arena - Lise Haines

TITLE: The Girl in the Arena

AUTHOR: Lise Haines

SUMMARY: In Massachusetts, eighteen-year-old Lyn, who has grown up in the public eye as the daughter of seven gladiators, wants nothing less than to follow her mother's path, but her only way of avoiding marriage to the warrior who killed her last stepfather may be to face him in the arena. - From Publisher

REVIEW: This book was such an unexpectedly awesome book. When I'd read the summary online I figured it'd be enjoyable but never was I expecting such a dynamic tale with characters that tugged at my heart.

Before I get to the good I'm going to hit the bad. There wasn't much but a few things. Starting with how I dislike being confused with 'modern' stories. I had no clue what time this was set in, current or future or past. What I'm trying to say is that it took me a bit to figure out where we were and I wish that in summaries they did a bit better job being less vague. Once I realized that it was slightly in the future but not flying cars future I was good.

My other issue was just the dialogue style. Haines didn't use quotation marks for dialogue but instead a dash and it took me while to enjoy the style. Felt like I didn't always know when the person was talking verses thinking. Wish she'd used the standard punctuation because it definitely would've been less confusing.

There was lots I loved about this book. The whole cautionary tale about our society becoming desensitized to violence and our disturbing thirst for it was probably my favorite aspect of the book. It definitely makes you look at the world around you in a different light.

Haines really created some stunning characters and gave them so much to work with. Characters, like Uber, that in most books you would hate you ended up loving. He actually became one of my favorites by the end of the book. We got the unexpected with him and Haines managed to give us the unexpected with all her characters. I loved how fresh and unique these characters were.

The plot itself was engaging and kept you hooked. I loved the twists we got and how as the story progressed we got information about previous events that subtly shaped certain outcomes. However, without the past history you weren't confused. All the finer details just added to the big pictures. Haines definitely has a way of giving us the story and then adding to it in a seamless fashion.

If you haven't picked this one up I highly recommend you do!

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The Hollow - Jessica Verday

TITLE: The Hollow

AUTHOR: Jessica Verday

SUMMARY: When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is dead, and rumors fly that her death was no accident. Abbey goes through the motions of mourning her best friend, but privately, she refuses to believe that Kristen is really gone. Then she meets Caspian, the gorgeous and mysterious boy who shows up out of nowhere at Kristen's funeral, and keeps reappearing in Abbey's life. Caspian clearly has secrets of his own, but he's the only person who makes Abbey feel normal again...but also special.

Just when Abbey starts to feel that she might survive all this, she learns a secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her best friend. How could Kristen have kept silent about so much? And could this secret have led to her death? As Abbey struggles to understand Kristen''s betrayal, she uncovers a frightening truth that nearly unravels her, one that will challenge her emerging love for Caspian, as well as her own sanity. - From Publisher

REVIEW: The potential for this book was endless, I impatiently waited for my turn to que up from the library only to be disappointed as I started reading this book.

This was Jessica Verday's debut novel and with debuts I'm always willing to let some stuff go. However, I felt like I had to over look lots of aspect of this book.

I was already 100 pages into the book and nothing had happened. It gave me that same feeling you get when you listen to a speaker that has a really monotone voice and causes a fog of boredom to enter one's brain. I wanted to be intrigued and pulled into the story but nothing was going on. It was a lot of pages filled with life's every-day's activities and it got tedious. By the time some action did happen I had really already checked out and nothing Verday could've done would have cleared that fog.

The style of the writing was choppy and at times juvenile, which yes, I do realize it's a teen/ya book but at one point it was teen and then old-school romance and then here and there. Pick a style and work with it, if you want your characters to grow then give them hurdles that allow that growth. Some of Caspian's dialogue was so off-putting and after finishing the book I feel like perhaps Verday was attempting some tricks. Won't say more than that so I don't spoiler but I wasn't impressed.

I wish I could say that I'd pick up the second book of this trilogy to see if perhaps this was just a whoops and that book 2 would have action and an enjoyable plot that would keep me engaged but... I can't. I was just really disappointed with everything, the plot, the characters, the pace and the book cover. Let me dive into that (as I do love dishing about good and bad covers).

I've mentioned this before. Those that say book covers don't make a difference are most likely fibbing. This book cover was extremely deceiving. I hate that. Make sure your model and cover art matches the character in the book. This book cover while eye catching was so opposite of what's in between the covers. The Abbey on the cover was not the Abbey I read about.

On the plus side. I loved how each chapters started with an excerpt from the original story, it made me want to pick up the book to read. The other thing I adored was learning about perfuming and all the ideas that Abbey had for scents and her future shop.

In the end I wouldn't recommend this book. However, if I do read book 2 and it's fantastic then I may recommend this trilogy, but with a warning.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥